can i feed my dog kibble and wet food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Wet Food v Kibble (Which Is Best For Your Dog?)

If your dog has a particular preference for a certain type of food, you might be wondering if their favourite (be it wet food or kibble) is better or worse than the alternative?

We all want to ensure our dog is getting the best food for their age, breed, lifestyle and general activity level. So is there a simple answer to the question of which food is better between wet food and kibble?

This guide from Pat Woodward will help you to understand the key differences.

Put yourself in your dogs place. Thats right, bury your face as deep as you can in that bowl on the kitchen floor. No, wait! Make sure somebodys watching before you actually chow down so you can hear their silly baby-talk expressions of approval.

Even better, pretend you couldnt care less about the food in the bowl when its placed in front of you, then go crazy when somebody picks up a piece to feed you by hand. Good boy! Atta girl!

Dog lovers know that just about anything a pooch finds worth investigating can end up in its stomach. Sometimes the only thing better than rolling in the grass of the backyard is eating it. That means the joy of companionship comes with a duty of vigilance that extends all the way to the food dish.

The age-old question of whether its better for your dog to eat dry kibble or wet food seems to have as many permutations as the most perplexing mathematical problem. Cost, calories, taste, hydration, even dental health factor into the equation. The options can be overwhelming, so lets look at some of the considerations.

Health

Kibble and wet food both meet the basic requirements for your dogs health and nutrition, but canned wet food provides some distinct benefits. The greater moisture content of canned food helps with hydration and promotes a healthy urinary tract.

Wet food is typically higher in crude protein and fat than kibble. Thats why most vets will recommend wet food for pregnant dogs and those that are nursing.

That rich content of wet food can promote weight loss through a full feeling that lasts longer between meals and prevents overeating. Conversely, your dog may be tempted to wolf down his kibble too quickly, which could result in gastrointestinal problems.

Read: Why is my dog farting so much?

Dental Development and Hygiene

That crunch you hear could be the sound of dental development. As puppies grow, harder foods like kibble can aid with the proper growth of their teeth. Kibble also encourages chewing in dogs of all ages, which can help prevent the buildup of tartar and subsequent periodontal disease.

Some dogs, especially as they get older, have trouble chewing hard food. Wet canned food is a good option, or you can soak kibble to soften it up.

Taste and Smell

Dogs may not be known as finicky eaters, but they know what they like. Open a bag of kibble and then open a can of wet food. Now, get out of the way!

The potent aroma of each may not do much for you, but its chemically designed to bring a dog running. In general, canned food is both more aromatic and flavorful, which can encourage eating and nutrition for dogs that may have a diminished appetite because of age or illness.

Cost and Convenience

We may tell ourselves that nothing is too good for our canine buddy, but price is a factor in what we feed ourselves, so it naturally comes into play when it comes to our dogs.

Typically, dry food is cheaper than wet food, and if you buy it in bulk, the cost difference is even greater. Dry kibble has an extended shelf life, so theres less potential for waste than with a can of wet food that can spoil if it has been open for even just a few days. Also, automatic feeders are typically designed for kibble.

The Best of Both

With so many choices, from kibble that you can top with flavour additives to wet foods now, including even fish, your best option may depend on what your dog needs, what it likes, and what works best with your lifestyle.

So don't stress. If the food you are feeding meets these criteria:

Your dog enjoys it
It's affordable and conveniently available for you to purchase
Your dog is doing well on it, physically
Your dog is maintaining good weight, skin condition and is thriving

Then you, my friend, have chosen the food that is right for your dog. Whether that's wet food or kibble, it doesn't really matter. The right food for your dog is the one that works best for them and for you.

Some people mix and match, combining or alternating dry and wet food. If that approach sounds like something that could work, check it out with your vet first to make sure youre not short-changing your dogs health and nutrition.

Now that youve put yourself in your dogs place, you can take your face out of that bowl on the kitchen floor. If you need to wash down that kibble or wet food, you know where the water bowl is.

Pat Woodard is a freelance writer who takes occasional breaks from high country hikes with his German shepherd in Colorado to chase golf balls, rainbow trout, and full-bodied red wines. He's also a longtime radio and television broadcaster, documentary producer, and losing contestant on Jeopardy.

Benefits of Fresh Dog Food vs. Raw Food vs. Kibble For Your Dog

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Food glorious food. Food is an important aspect of the daily lives of humans and dogs. However, dogs dont get to choose what they eat. We choose what we think is best for the health, energy level, and enjoyment of our canine companions.

With the growing popularity of freshly prepared food for dogs (like Ollie, who makes human grade fresh dog food,) our options have increased, and choosing what is best can be challenging. The first step is to consult your veterinarian. Here are some points to consider when you choose a food for your dog:

Health: A balanced, nutritional diet is critical to maintain good health.
Activity level: Working dogs and service dogs have different caloric requirements than household pets.
Age and size: Nutritional requirements differ between puppies and adults, large breed and small breed dogs.
Food allergies: Some dogs are allergic to specific proteins or ingredients such as eggs, corn, wheat, soy, or milk.
Taste: No matter what you think, dog food has to taste and smell good to your dog.
Your lifestyle: How much time do you have available to spend cooking and shopping for your dog?

Fresh Food

Feeding dogs a diet made with natural, real ingredients, such as beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots, and blueberries, can do wonders for their overall well-being promoting heart health, increasing energy level, making coats shiny and breath smell better, improving eyesight, and even impacting a dogs stool.

However, cooking for your pet is a process thats demanding on your time, space, and finances. Merck Veterinary Manual warns, Most homemade diets do not undergo the scrutiny and rigorous testing applied to commercial complete and balanced diets. If pet owners wish to feed their pets homemade diets, the diets should be prepared and cooked using recipes formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.

Fresh dog food delivery services, such as Ollie, work with canine nutritionists to develop cooking methods and personalized formulas that include the vitamins and minerals that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials standards for dog food. They calculate the exact number of calories needed based on weight, breed, age, activity level, and body composition and take any allergies your pup has into account.

Ollies food is made with human-grade ingredients sourced from reputable farms and approved by veterinarians. They never use fillers, by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Each recipe is cooked by hand at low temperatures in small batches in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA)-regulated kitchen. All the prep work is done for you, and the food is pre-portioned and stored in the freezer. They even offer all-natural, single-ingredient treats that dogs love.

What to Look For in Fresh Food

Most fresh food services are offered by subscription and delivered to your door. The best ones work with veterinary nutritionists to formulate a plan customized for your dog. They offer options in recipe choices, portion size, and frequency of delivery. They also provide easy-to-understand information about ingredients, feeding schedules, and how to keep the food fresh.

Raw Diet

Raw dog food can be homemade, store-bought, freeze-dried, or dehydrated. A raw diet usually includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and a dairy product such as yogurt. Advocates of raw food diets site these benefits: shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools.

Some veterinarians warn that raw diets are not appropriate for dogs who share their homes with young children or people with compromised immune systems. Meticulous care is required in the handling, preparation, and sanitation of raw food. Dogs with pancreatitis, cancer, or other diseases may require cooked food. Puppies are also better off having cooked food.

The American Veterinary Medical Association opposes the unregulated feeding of raw foods and discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens, because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs, as well as humans.

What to Look for in Raw Food

Find a veterinarian who knows the health of your dog, is familiar with raw foods, and can help guide you in the proper handling and cleaning required to address possible health concerns.

Kibble

Dry food or kibble has ingredients that vary by brand, but all are required to be balanced and meet the nutritional needs of a dog. Under USDA regulation, all animal foods must be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled.

The ingredients in kibble are processed together and cooked. Required ingredients include: protein sources such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs; grains; cereals; and vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All dry dog foods need preservatives to prevent the fat from becoming rancid. Some brands are heavy on carbohydrates or have low-quality ingredients and added sugar.

Those who feed their dogs kibble suggest the potential benefits to be: reduced dental plaque, healthier gums, reduced risk of bacteria, easier storage, less risk of spoilage, and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, some dog owners choose to switch to fresh food like Ollie due to the risks of kibble.

What to Look for in Kibble

Read the label. Look for a food that has a protein as the first ingredient, not a grain. The best kibbles have a single source of protein, such as lamb or chicken. Grain-free diets exist, but carbohydrates are required for energy, and the choice of grain is important since some dogs have sensitivities to wheat, corn, or soybeans.

Help From the Experts

The food we give our dogs makes a huge difference in their health and well-being. So it makes sense to let the experts help us determine what is best.

Ollies veterinary nutritionists use the latest advancements in research to develop the best recipes for your dog recipes that include fresh ingredients to keep your pups brain function healthy, address allergies and gastrointestinal sensitivities, are proportioned for ideal weight, and use Omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation. All that delivered right to your door, for free.

Ollie has received rave reviews from both customers and industry leaders. Ollies customers have reported better weight management, shinier coats, and more. Ollie has received a 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor and has named one of the best dog food brands by Forbes, and Readers Digest.

Top 10 Pros and Cons of Putting Water in Dogs Kibble: Guide

Dog kibble is a type of dog food that is completely dry. Extrusion is used to make dog kibble, which is composed of pulverised and shaped items such as beans, meat, vegetables, and other nutritional foods. When we feed our dogs dry kibble, why do we need to add water to it?

Dogs kibble is enriched with water because it aids digestion by encouraging dogs to eat more water. Allows them to drink more water, which prevents dehydration symptoms over time. Some dog owners add water to their dogs food in order to break down the contents and make it smell better.

In this article, Ill go into greater detail on the health advantages and water consumption associated with mixing water into dry dog food. Ill also go over some of the things you should keep in mind while adding water to your dogs dry food.

Is it safe to add water to dog food?

My dogs get kibble and cooked chicken soaking in a flavorful warm broth twice a day like clockwork. Theyre blown away by it. Everybody gets out of bed, even my picky eater, so she doesnt miss out on the feast. To find out if it was worth it to soak my dogs food, I did a little study on the subject:

Dog food can be persuaded to eat by soaking it in a pleasant liquid like broth. If your dog doesnt drink enough water, has a sensitive stomach, or has damaged teeth and cant eat hard kibble, soaking your dogs food can help. Adding wet kibble to your dogs diet can also help them lose weight.

Soaking dry dog food is not recommended by some, as hard kibble eliminates plaque and helps keep teeth healthy. Dry kibbles abrasiveness may theoretically scrape plaque from a dogs teeth, but the reality is more complicated.

Cleaning your dogs teeth by hand is the most effective method. There are a couple of options here: you can wash your dogs teeth or give him dental chews or toys (like these Amazon favourites).

Putting water in kibble has sparked a lot of discussion. People have different opinions about whether or not its worthwhile. In the end, what do we have here? If water is added to kibble, does it outweigh the drawbacks? Here are the arguments for and against each viewpoint.

Although kibble is a popular dog meal, some owners are concerned about how much water is in it. Because food contains water, kibble is disliked by some dog owners, while others enjoy it. Because it aids digestion and ensures that your dog stays properly hydrated, water is an essential part of your dogs daily diet. If your dog doesnt drink enough water from his water bowl, it isnt hazardous to him.

Todays pet food is frequently prepared in the kibble form, which uses high heat and pressure to compress the ingredients into small, spherical pellets. There are several benefits involved with making sure your pets are well hydrated, but this type of diet is lacking in that regard.

As you may be aware, your pets digestive system, weight goals, and the health of important organs like the kidneys and liver are all dependent on adequate water intake.

We also know that it can be difficult to persuade our cats and dogs to drink water, even if its good for them.

10 reasons why you should add water to dogs kibble

Soaking your dogs food offers many advantages to feeding dry food, as this article explains in detail. You should soak your dogs food for the following ten reasons:

1. Enhances the appeal of the cuisine

While youre pondering the potential health benefits of soaking your dogs kibble, keep in mind that your pets first concern is whether or not the meal hes eating tastes nice. Its good to know soaking kibble results in tastier food.

Most dog owners use homemade chicken or beef broth or just plain water to soak their dogs food.

2. Gulping should be avoided at all costs

Gulping is a term used to describe the act of taking in a significant quantity of food at one time. Some canines may be suffering from a mental condition. Others do it as a matter of course. The presence of food may also be a factor, as they get thrilled when its there. Dogs digestive systems have a hard time breaking down large bits of food when they ingest them all at once. This can even cause the dog to vomit up all he or she has eaten after gulping it down in a hurry.

Gulping in dogs can be solved by adding water to dry dog food. This is due to the fact that water keeps food moist, which makes it difficult for the dog to swallow huge portions of food. In addition, because the food will be so soft, even swiping without chewing will not pose a difficulty for the foods digestion or absorption.

3. Involved in a puppys weaning phase

Puppy milk is the only food a newborn puppy can consume. Youll have to add more food as it develops and becomes more mature. The puppy will have a hard time transitioning to dry food because it has been accustomed to eating milk, which is in liquid form.

As a result, more attention must be taken while selecting the sort of food to feed your puppy throughout the weaning period. Puppy teeth are still developing, and their digestive systems arent yet strong enough to handle food that demands a lot of energy to chew, swallow or digest.

4. Supports digestion and soothes upset stomachs

The soaking of your dogs kibble can help alleviate some of these digestive disorders, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.

Food is more easily swallowed and digested when it is moistened with liquid. By doing this, you reduce the amount of work your dogs digestive enzymes have to do to digest the food.

5. Your dog will drink more water because of this

Drinking water might be a challenge for some dogs. This could be due to a number of factors, including the water in the bowl becoming too warm (heres how to keep it cool), the water bowl in the yard becoming a haven for ants and other insects, or your dog simply being unaware of their need.

Soaking your dogs kibble is one technique to ensure that your pet gets adequate water, no matter what the weather is like.

For every pound of body weight, a dog should drink one ounce of water every day. This can be from water, wet dog food, or the liquid used to soak the kibble in. Soaking dog kibble helps your dog consume less water from the water dish because they are already getting liquid from their diet each day.

6.increase the mood of your dogs eating habit

Due to a variety of factors, some dogs have bad feeding habits and will not eat without being lured to their bowls. Adding water to a dry dog kibble generates an enticing aroma that pups find alluring, as discussed before.

Each of the elements in dry food releases a distinct aroma when its broken down. Adding a chicken fragrance to a dish of dog chow, for example, makes it much more appealing. If your dog isnt a fan of dry food, this method of enticing him to eat increases his likelihood of doing so.

7. To maintain your dogs dental wellness

The oral health of puppies and older canines is particularly precarious. Their weak jaws are caused by a lack of growth in young dogs and old age in the older ones.

When you add water to the dry dog food, it will make it easier for the dogs to eat and digest. This will protect their sensitive gums and keep them safe from future harm.

8. Improves the urination of dogs

Kidney and urinary tract infections can occur in dogs who do not consume enough water. Dogs need a lot of water to be hydrated, and this is one of the main reasons why.

Dogs who are prone to these infections can benefit from soaking their kibble in warm water, and soaking kibble can help dogs avoid these infections completely.

9. Can assist your pet in their quest to lose weight

Adding water to your dog or cats food will help them feel more satiated and less hungry. Consumption of fewer calories is encouraged by the fact that the stomach is filled with water. This is especially useful if youre trying to lose weight for your dog or cat.

Because of their diet, your pet may be bloated. As soon as a dry dog or cat food is exposed to moisture, it expands. The risk of bloat or stomach torsion is increased when this occurs in the digestive tract, resulting in hazardous swelling and bloating.

Pre-soaking the kibble reduces this risk and helps your pet maintain a healthy body weight.

Increasing your pets water intake might also help with regularity issues like constipation and water retention.

10. Easier to eat food

Soaking your dogs kibble makes it easier for them to consume, especially if they have a difficulty with their teeth or have lost their teeth for any reason.

What are the pros and cons of putting water in dogs kibble?

Pros of putting water in dogs kibble

If a picky eater smells the wet food, he or she will consume the dry food.
The moisture content of food that has been wetted will rise.
If you soak your dogs food beforehand, you can reduce the likelihood of stomach upsets.
Adding warm water to your dogs food can encourage him to eat it if he normally does not.
Some dogs prefer canned food to kibble because of its palatability.
Bringing some tasty canned food along with their kibble can help dogs who are going to be away from home for an extended period of time keep up their normal eating habits.
Adding water to the kibble will help soften it and make it simpler for your dog to eat if he has diarrhoea.
If your dog has eaten all of his food, you can reward him with a treat in order to get his attention.
As a precaution for dogs with kidney issues, you might want to consider adding a little extra moisture to their food.

Cons of putting water in dogs kibble

Preservatives are more prevalent in wet food than they are in dry food.
Its possible that youll create a situation where the dog refuses to consume dry food.
Dogs arent allowed to graze on their own food. 2030 minutes after serving wet food or a dry/wet mix, it should be thrown.
Adding water to medication makes it more difficult to measure out the dosage, making it more difficult to administer your dogs prescribed drugs.

Doing so may result in diarrhoea, which is why some people advise against it unless your dog is already suffering from it.
To make your dogs kibble more difficult to swallow, you may want to add a small amount of warm water to his water bowl.

How long may wet kibble be kept out?

The kibble does not contain any preservatives, therefore its crucial to keep that in mind while adding water to it. In the event that your dog consumes all of his food in one sitting, you dont need to worry about storing the extra food in his dish.

It is vital to keep in mind that bacteria can grow if your dog is a slow eater or you want to put the wet kibble in your dogs bowl overnight.

Because wet kibble can become a breeding ground for bacteria, you should always throw it after 12 hours.

Even if the wet kibble is left out for more than 12 hours, it may not go bad if you take this precaution.

There is no need to add water to your dogs kibble, but it may be beneficial for some. The wet kibble softens the dry nuggets and makes them easier for your dog to eat, while also boosting their desire for more food.

There are, however, drawbacks. Bacteria can form on the wet kibble if you leave it out for too long, which can cause disease or even death! Try soaking the kibble in warm water for a few minutes before feeding to ensure that your pet gets all of its nutritious benefits without risking any negative side effects from keeping it out for too long.

Things to keep in mind while putting water in kibble

When adding water to dog kibble, there are few things to keep in mind.

1. Temperatures are a factor

Due to the high temperatures, your four-legged best friend will drink more water during the summer. As a result, water added to kibble should be fed often throughout this time of year. Adding a modest amount to the dogs kibble four or five times a day is preferable.

2. Serving size of dog food

Youll need to keep a close eye on the ratio of water to the dogs kibble in order to avoid overfeeding them. A cup of dog kibble can be made moist by adding half a cup of water. Remember that the purpose is to moisten, not drown, the meal.

3. Preferences of your canine companion

In terms of how they prefer to eat, every dog is unique. People have different preferences when it comes to how wet or mushy their meal has to be. As the days go by, gradually increase the amount of water you add to the mixture to get a sense of what they want.

4. The waters temperature

The slower the water softens the dogs kibble, the better; therefore, use only lukewarm water. After youve added water to the kibble, dont leave it out for your dog to eat for too long.

Watch Preparing a dogs dinner by soaking their food | Video

Conclusion

Its not a universally held belief that dry kibble should contain water or other liquids, but its one that I wholeheartedly support. There are far too many advantages and few drawbacks to doing so.

Dogs with dental or digestive disorders, overweight or obese pets, and puppies can benefit from adding liquid to their diet. Bloat may be less of a problem as a result.

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